Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek today announced thirty State schools would become Independent Public Schools next year.

Minister Langbroek said the initiative would increase autonomy in decision making, cut red tape and remove layers of management to improve outcomes for students.

“This Newman Government initiative delivers on our election commitment to lift education standards by giving schools more control over their decision making,” Mr Langbroek said.

Just as term two ends tomorrow (Friday June 22), Minister Langbroek launched the prospectus, inviting all State schools to apply to be among the first Independent Public Schools when schools return for term three on 9 July.

“The selection process will ensure representation for both regional and metropolitan schools,” he said.

“Independent Public Schools will have the freedom to directly recruit teachers and to build a team that is able to deliver innovative educational practices and have more autonomy to manage infrastructure and financial resources.

“We’ve done our homework and borrowed from the best examples of autonomous schools across Australia and in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, the US and the UK.

“Research tells us that parent and community engagement with schools can have a powerful impact on student achievement.

“Participating schools will have to establish a school council through which the Principal and staff can work with parents and the community to make local decisions about issues impacting on school performance and the local community.”

Mr Langbroek said the program would be extended to 120 schools over the next four years.

“The Newman Government is committed to working with Principals, teachers, parents and the wider school community to deliver the very best education for Queensland kids.”

Independent Public Schools would receive $50,000 as a transitional grant to assist in the change with a further $50,000 in funding each year for administrative purposes.

Expressions of Interest are open for all Queensland State schools until 7 September 2012 to be considered to be one of the first 30 Independent Public Schools.